Read on, to untangle some of the myths and learn about the signs, symptoms and realities of schizophrenia.

People with schizophrenia can recover

Commonly heard and held views of schizophrenia are often inaccurate, stigmatizing and unduly pessimistic.

With the right treatments and support, people with schizophrenia can and do recover.

These individuals finish school, graduate from college, get good jobs, have long-term friendships, relationships and families of their own, vote, volunteer, live independently, pursue hobbies and special interests.

Signs and symptoms of schizophrenia

People with schizophrenia experience misperceptions that can affect their senses, ideas or behaviors. Signs and symptoms may include:

Difficulties at work or school

Social withdrawal

Emotional changes

Unusual thoughts or beliefs

Trouble thinking clearly or concentrating

Suspiciousness or extreme uneasiness with others

Hallucinations

Myths and realities about schizophrenia

Myth: People with schizophrenia rarely, if ever, get well.

Realities:

Although schizophrenia may not be “cured,” people can and do cope with symptoms and lead meaningful, productive lives.

With timely and appropriate treatment, between 43 and 84 percent of people with schizophrenia recover or improve significantly (Jansen, 2014)

Myth: People with schizophrenia are dangerous.

Reality: The vast majority of people with schizophrenia are neither violent nor dangerous to others.

Myth: It is impossible to relate to symptoms of psychosis if you have not experienced them yourself.

Realities:

Many experiences of psychosis exist on a continuum with “normal” experiences. All of us experience odd things at some point.

Nine out of every 100 people will experience symptoms of psychosis at some time in their lives

Facts about schizophrenia

Schizophrenia affects approximately one percent of Americans regardless of culture, race, economic status, gender or ethnicity.

Average age of onset: for males, late teens to early 20s; for females, mid-20s to early 30s.

Risk factors for developing schizophrenia include a family history of mental illness, stress and possibly substance use, especially cannabis.